Loose-leaf binder



G. HANKEL. LOOSE LEAF BINDER. APPLICATION FILED DEC. I0. 1921.

1,433,949. Patented 0@t.31 ,1922.

Patented oci. 3i, i922.

uiten srarss PATENT reina,

GEORGE HANKEL, OF `CII-IIICAGG, ILLINOIS.

LOOSE-LEAF BINDER.

Application led December 10, 1921. Serial No. 521,369.

To all Iwho/met may concern.'

'Be it known that I, GEORGE HANKEL, a citizen of the United States, residing' at Chicago, in the county oie.V Cook and lState oi illinois, have invented certain new and usetui improvements in Loose-Leaf Binders, ot which the following is a speciiication.

T his invention relatesin general to paper tiles and binders and .more particularly to loose-leaf binders, which have transverse cords tor holding the loose leaves and means tor holding` the cords in taut conditions.

@ne object off the present invention is `the production' oi a loose-leaf hinder having a pair ot binder strips, one of `which has a cord threaded therethrough for holdingthe cord in a set position, `while the other strip is provided'with binding clamps for engagingr the ends of the cord and holding' the same taut. i

Another object of this invention is the productionoi a. loose-leaf` binder having transverse cord and binding clamps i'or engaging the cord and holding' the same tautlyql the clamps being' 'formed from sheets of material and comprising base plates and clamping; leif'ers, with meansior holding; the levers in set positions. i

Another obl'ect oit the present invention is the production of a simple device7 which may he produced at a minimum expense and yet efficiently operate under any conditions and at all times. y

One practical torni of construction and assembly oi the ypresent invention will be hereinafter speciiically described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein i i Figure l is fragmentary top plan view oi" the loose-leaf binder, showing the same in an open position and illustrating specifically the construction oi? the binding` clamps.

Figure il is a sectional view taken on the line Q-Q of Figure lylookinzq in the direction ot the arrows.

Figure 3 is a top plan view ot one oi? the binding clampsype'r se, showing the same iu an open condition. I y f Figure 4- is alongitndinal sectional view throuah. the hinffling clamp, teiltenv on the line d---fiui Figure Figure 5 is a. top plan viewy ot the base plate of the binding clamp.

Figure 6 is an inverted detail perspective view of the clamping lever of the binding' clamp.

Figure '7 is a sectional view of the binding' clamp, taken on the line 'T--T ot Figure Y Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view ot' the binding; clamp,k per se, 'taken on the line 8 8 of Figure l. p

Referring' more specifically to the accompanyingdrawinp; by numerals, l0 indicates the backs of the loose-leaf binder, which are connected together by the web ll. No particular novelty is claimed for this part ot the disclosure, which is shown merely to illustrate the use of the present invention. lt will be noted that the-binder strips l2 are connected to the backs IO at the junction of the backs l0 and web ll in a flexible manner,

as indicated at i3. Therefore, these binder strips` lQ/are spaced apart and thus provide suthcient space for the positioning` therebetween oit a number oi loose leaves 14. as illustrated in Figure 2.

The binder strips l2 are provided with pairs oi alined openings i5, which are adapted to register with the openings 16 Jformed in the loose leaves i4. One ot the binder strips l). is provided with a pair of additional openings 1'?, as shown in Figure it iieXible cord i8 is provided and this cord .i8 is positioned upon the inner surtace ot one oi the binder strips i2 and is then threaded through the openings i7 et this strip so as to rest upon the outer surface ot this strip, and is then passed through the opening-js l5 of this strip7 so thatit may then be passed through the openings i6 of the loose 'leaves 14. it is apparent that the peculiar manner in which the cord is threaded through the openings of the binder strip having` the openings 'i7 prevents the cord lSrom slipping' when the loose leaves are being placed within or are being' removed 'from the binder. y

A pair of' binding clamps are mounted upon the remaining` binder strip for the purpose oi' engaging; the tree ends of the cord i@ and 'heid them in tai-1t conditions. thus pffjveniag the if .mm keine A Each clamp comprises a base plate 1 9, which is elongated and has at its ends the outwardly extending flat ears havinrthe apertures 21, shown in Figure 5. 2in opening 22 is formed 1n the body of the plate.r as is an opening-23, for purposes 'vet to appear. A. stop flange is formed upon one of the longitudinal edges of the base plate as indicated at 24, while an abutment boss 25 `entends upwardly from the stuff-ace of the plate. The top surface of this boss 25 is cam shaped. while its innerl side is vertical andpalrallel to the stop flange 24. .l pn 26 also rises fronrthe surface of the hase plate 19 adjacent the edge oi the plate opposite to that upon which the stop flange 2d is formed. i'

A clamping lever 27 is provided and this lever comprises a substantially rectangular body 28, from which extends the elongated arm 29. An opening 30 is formed in the body of the lever in alineinent with the arm 29, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, while another opening 3l is formed' in the body of tie lever, but at the opposite end portion of the body. This clamping lever is mounted upon the base plate 19 and the headed rivet 82 passes through the opening 31 of the body of the clamping lever, through a washer and the opening 23 of the base plate 19, thus pivotally supportingxthe clamp'ng lever 27. By referring particularly to Figure 7, it will be seen that the washer 33 is interposed between the base plate 19 and the booj.v of the clamping lever, thus spacing this body 28 from the base plate 19. for purposes ,vet to appear. lt'

should also be noted that a. transversely extending lug 84 is formed upon the under side of the arm 29 of the clamping lever and this lug has a cam surface at one side portion thereof, as indicated at This lug 34: normally bears upon the surface of the plate 19, as shown in .Figures 2 and 8. f Y Y Then the device is in use and it is desired to place some additional loose leaves yin the binder, the clamping` lever is swung outwardly to the position indicated in Figure "its outward pivotal movement being limited by the pin 26. At this time the opening 8O of the lever Jill be in registry with the opening 22 in the base plate 19. The base plates ofthe Abinding clamps are mountedin spaced relation upon one of the binding strips 12 and the base' plates are retained in position by rivets 36 whichpass throughthe apertures 21 of the ears 2O and.

into the binding strip upon. which the binding clamps are mounted. lt is obvious that any desirable securing means may be employed for securing the binding clai'nps upon the binder strips, without departing from the spiritof thev invention. By referring to Figure 4 it will be seen that when the binding clamps are in open positions, as iudicated also in Figure 3, the openings 30 and 22 are in registry, while the openings 22 of the base plates 19 are at all times in registry with the openings 15 formed in the binder strip uponwhich the binding clamps are mounted. Therefore, the ends ofthe cord 18 may be passed through the openings 16 of additional lloose leaves 14 and then these ends may be passed through the openings 15 of the binder strip 1 2 carrying the binding clamps and through the openings 22 and 8() of the two clamps. The cord 18 is then drawn taut, so that the leaves 14.- are in their correct position between the backs 't9 and the binder strips 12. The clampz levers are then moved to the closed position. indicated in Figures 1 and 2. These clamping levers yare formed from sheet metal of such resiliency as to permit the levers, Aalthough being secured by the rivets 30, to ride up over the bosses 25. Since the logs 84e have cam surfaces 35 and the bosses also have cam surfacesfthe arms of the levers will readily pass over the bosses 25. l,When in closed position the arms 29 of the levers will each snap into a locked position between the stop flange 24 and the vertical side of the boss 25, as indicated in Figure 8. lt apparent that the flanges 24 limit the rearward swinging movement of the arms V29 of the levers, whilethe vertical sides of the bosses 25 prevent the levers from accidentally swinging forwardly. Therefore, the

ing levers will be positively held so as to extend longitudinally of the base plates and consequently the openings ot the clamping levers will be held out of alinement with the openings 22 ofthe base plates 19. This action of the binding clamps will cause the ends of the cords to be turned over upon the surfaces of the base plates 19. whereby the portions of the ends of the cord 18 which rest upon the plates 19 will be extending acutely to the portions extending through the openings 22 of the base plates 19 and the portions ofthe ends of the cord extending through the openings 30 of the clamping levers'. Sufficient space is provided between the levers and the base plates to prevent the cutting of the cord, while the manner in which the ends of the cord 18 are drawnv acutely over the edges of the plates andthe 'levers surrounding the opone ings 22 and 39 respectively absolutely pref vents'the cord from slipping. lhen the clamping levers are in locked' positions and the cord 18, as a. result, is being held in a lil) since the outer ends of these arms are turned `up shghtlyfor facilitating this action, and

the resiliency of the arms permit them to be raised slightly so that the lugs' Ell may clear the upper portions of the bosses 25, whereby the levers 27 may be swung outwardly until theystrilze the `pins 26. At this time the 4o ieninffs 30 of the levers Will be in registi` with the openings 22 in the base plates 19, thus allowing the Withdrawal of the ends of the cord i8. lieaves lll. may then be Aplaced upon or removed from the ends of the cord, whereupon the ends of the cord may again be passed through `the openings 22 of the base plates 19 and through the openings 30 ot the clamping levers 27 and the clamping levers moved tothe closed' positions as above set forth, so that thecord will be again gripped f and vheld in a taut condition, so that the loose-leaf binder may be properly and readily used. f y

Since the Washers 33 space the bodies `of the levers from the surfaces of the base plates 19, While the lugs engage the surfaces of the plates, it is apparent that'the bodies and .arms of the levers 27 Will be held spaced from the base plates atall times; Therefore, it is impossible for the levers to cut the cord, although they will firmly grip the cord to hold the saine from slipping. It is also apparent that the stop flanges and the bosses positively `hold the levers 27 from accidental movement. .A v

Freni the foregoing description it is ap pirent that a very simple and eflicient improvement in loose-leaf' binders has heen produced. The rbinding vclamps may be formed from blank sheetsiof metal,being stamped to form theconstruction described,

`which after being assembled, will positively and properly operate, since theirsimplicity of construction precludes the possibility of -complications Which exist when more complicated devices are used. Their. constructions also permit them lto be produced at a minimum cost, which is an important feature ofthe invention, from a commercial viewpoint. The device is easily operated, since it is only necessary to lift and then swing the levers outwardly so as to permit the ends of the cord to Abe1 Withdrawn or to move the levers soas to ride over the bosses and fit "between the bosses and the stop flanges, in `order to, bind'the cord 18 and hold the loose leaves in their correct positions. i

While one practical form offconstruction and assembly of the `present invention has been illustrated and described, it is obvious that the right is reserved to malte-various changes in the detail construction, as long as such chan (res do not exceed the scope ofthe .n

invention las claimed, 'and for thisreason the invention is not limited to the speciiic construction hereinbefore described'.

The invent-ion' having been what is claimed as new is:

1. In a device of the characterdescribed, the combination of a support, binding` clamps mounted upon said support, each clamp com prising a base plate having a clamping lever pivotally inountedthereon, said plates hai-L- ing receiving portions, said levers being adapted to be moved so that the receiving portions thereof Will move into and out of registry With `the receiving portions of the base plates, means for lreleasably holding the leversin set positions when the receiving portionsthereof are out of registry with the receiving portions of the base plates,'and a cord carried' by said support and engaging the receiving portions, as and for the purposes set forth.

2. ln a deviceof thek character described, the combination of a` support, kbinding clamps mounted upon/said support; each clamp comprising a base plate having a clamping lever pivotally mounted thereon, said plates and said levers having receiving portions,` said vlevers being adapted to be moved so that'thy receiving portions thereof may move into and out of registry With the receiving portions of said base plates, means for limiting the movement of lsaid levers ivhen they are moved so that the receiving portions thereof yare in registry with the receiving portions of said plates, means for described.

`releasably holding the levers inset positions Whenthe receiving portions thereof are out of registry ivith the receiving portions ot the base plates, and a cord carried by iid support and `engf/iging the 'receiving portions, as and for the purposes set forth.

3. ina device of the character/described, the combinationl of a support, binding `clamps mounted upon said support-- each clamp comprising a base plate having 1 a clampinglever `pivotally mounted thereon, said plates and said Y: vers having receiving portions,` means for spacing said levers from the surfaces'of said plates, said levers being adapted to be 'moved sol thatgthe receiving portions thereofwill move intov and out ci registry vvitlithe receivinglpiortions of said plates, and a cord carried 'by said support and engaging the receiving portions of'sad platesand said Clevers, as and for the pur- 'i poses set forth.

l. In a deviceof thecharacter described.

the combination',` of a support, binding clampsmountedupon said snpportreacli clamp comprising la hase plate having a iso Clamping lever pivota-lly mounted thereon,

"said plates and-said :levers having receiving ymoved so that theI receiving portions there- `of will move into and out of registry with each other, washers interposed between said levers and said'base plates,lugs formed upon said levers and .engaging the surfaces of said base plates, Wherebythe levers are spaced from the surfaces .of said base plates, and a cord carried by saidxtsupport and engaging the receiving portions of said base plates and said levers, as'and for the purposes set forth. 4 y n 5. In a device of thecharacter described the. combination of a support, binding clamps mounted upon. said support, 'each clamp comprising a base plate having a clamping lever pivotally mounted thereon,

'said plates and said levers having receiving portions, said levers being'adapted to be movedso that kthe receivingportionsI thereof ymay move'into and out.' of registry, with .the receivingr portions of said plates, stop flanges formed upon the rear edges of said base plates, bosses formed on the surfaces of .said base plates, the upper surfaces of ,said'bosses being cam shaped,said bosses also having vertical inner sides whichV are parallel to said stop flanges,l said levers being adapted to be received between the flanges and bosses when the receiving portions thereof are `out of registry `with the receiving portions of said base plates, and a cord carried by saidsupport and engaging the receiving portions of said levers and plates, as .and for the purposes set forth.

6. In a device of the character described` the combination of a support, binding` clamps mounted upon said support, each clamp comprising a base plate having a clamping lever pivotally mounted thereon, said plates and said levers having receiving portions, said levers being adapted to be moved so that the receiving portions thereof may move into and out of registrywith thereceiving portions of saidv plates. pins carried by said plates in the path of movement of said levers when the levers are swung in one direction to automatically aline` the receiving portions of said levers kwith the receiving portions of said plates, and, a cord carried by said support and engaging the receiving portions of said levers and plates, as and for the purposes. set forth.

'7. In a device of the character described, the combinaiton of -a support, binding clamps mounted upon said support, .each clamp comprising a base plate having .a clamping leverpivotally mounted thereon, said plates and said levers having receiving portions, said levers being adapted to be moved so that-the receiving portions ythereof may move into and out of registry Withthe `receiving portions.- of saidy plates, pins carried by said plates in the path of movement of said levers when the levers are swung in adapted to be received between the flanges and bosses when the receiving portions thereof are out of` registry with the receiving portions of said` base plates, and a cord carried by saidsupport and engaging the receiving portions of said levers and plates, as and for the purposes set forth.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination of a support, binding clamps mounted upon said support, each clamp comprising a base plate having a clampingl lever pivotally mountedvthereon, said plates and said levers having receiving portions, 'said' levers being adapted to be moved so that the receiving portions thereof may move into and out of registry with the receiving portions of said plates, pins carried by said plates in the path of movement of said levers when the levers are swung in one direction to automatically aline the receiving'portions of said levers with the receiving portions of said hase plates, stop flanges formed upon the rear side edges of `said base yplates, bosses formed on the surfaces of said base plates,vthe upper surfaces of said bosses being cam shaped, Said bosses also having vertical -inner sides which are parallel to the stop flanges, said Vlevers being adapted to be received between the flanges and the bosses when the receiving` portions thereof are out of registry with the receiving portions of said base plates, washers interposed between thelevers and said'plates, lugs formed upon. the lower surfaces of said levers, said lugs engaging said plates, whereby the levers are spaced from said' plates, and a cord carried by said supportand engaging the receiving portions of'said levers and said plates, as andy for the purposes s et forth.

9. In a device of the c aracter described, the Y combination of a support, binding clamps upon said support, each clamp comprising a base plate having a clampingu.

leverv pivotally mounted thereon and swinging in a horizontal plane thereabove, said plates having yreceiving portions, said levers having receiving portions, said levers being adapted to be moved so that; the receiving portions thereofwill move into and out of registrywith the receiving portions of .the base plates, and a cord 'carried by said support and engaging the'receiving portions, asland for the4 purposes set forth.A 'f 10; Ina device of the character described,

the combination of a support, binding lamps mounted upon said support, each Clamp comprising a 1oase plate having a clamping lever pivotally mounted thereon, said plates having receiving` portions, said levers having receiving portions, said levers being adapted to loe moved so that the receiving` portions thereof may move into and out of registry with, the receiving portions of said base plates.y means Carried loy sani plates in the paths of movement of said levers for limiting the movement of said levers When they are moved so that the receiving portions thereof are in registry with the receiving portions or said plates, and a cord earried by said support and engaging the receiving portions, as and for the purposes set forth. f

In testimony whereof I aiiiX my signature.

GEORGE HANKEL. 

